College of the Rockies’ Vice President, Academic Robin Hicks is pleased announce the appointment of Vanessa Lozecznik as the new manager, Workforce Development and Campus Operations for the Creston campus.

“We are excited to welcome Vanessa to the College,” Hicks said. “Her management experience in combination with her passion for collaborative, inclusive decision-making and community-centered leadership will be a tremendous addition to our team.”

Lozecznik brings more than a decade of experience living and working in the Creston Valley and has built a strong reputation for creating inclusive and sustainable educational and community programs.

Since 2014, she has served as the Community Action Plan for Children (CAPC) Program Coordinator at Valley Community Services Society, managing multi-site programming across six East Kootenay communities and coordinating staff, volunteers, and community partners.

She also serves as a Prevention Specialist with Gambling Support BC where she develops tailored educational workshops for diverse audiences and strengthens partnerships with regional agencies.

Previously, as the Healthy Foods Project Coordinator for Northern Association of Community Councils (2011 – 2014), Lozecznik designed and implemented food security initiatives across 26 Indigenous and Métis communities. Her work included securing external funding to expand under-resourced programs, including organic beekeeping co-ops, U-pick orchards, and food preservation projects.

Lozecznik holds a Master of Natural Resources Management from the University of Manitoba. Her graduate research explored meaningful platforms for public participation and adult transformative learning in marginalized rural communities, and area of expertise that aligns closely with the College’s focus on community connection and lifelong learning.

“I’m really excited to begin this new journey with the college,” Lozecznik said. “I’m looking forward to supporting the diverse needs of our learners in Creston and building strong, meaningful relationships with stakeholders to help create a vibrant and welcoming campus.”

Lozecznik began her role on December 1 and will be available at the Creston campus three days per week.

Learn more about College of the Rockies’ Creston campus at cotr.bc.ca/creston

College of the Rockies photo

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